Asia-Pacific Region Faces Various Security Concerns

The Essential India newsletter discusses various news stories from Asia, including a feature on why most Asian megacities fail, as explained by the Asia correspondent. Other stories include a fragile thaw at the top of the world, a sham poll in Myanmar, and Indonesia's botched response to a devastating storm. The newsletter also touches on nationalism impeding help from abroad, Australia's defense against jihadist murderers, and a surge in antisemitism.

The article discusses the recent Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia, and its implications for the country's ability to defend itself against jihadist terrorism. The attack, carried out by a father and son duo who may have received training in the Philippines, resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The author, Shashank Joshi, the defence editor of The Economist, reflects on the surge in antisemitism and the potential threat of jihadist terrorism in Australia. The article also touches upon other regional issues, including the tense border between India and China, the military rule in Myanmar, and the impact of nationalism on disaster response in Indonesia.

The article discusses the sudden silence along the border between North and South Korea after a period of loudspeaker broadcasts by both sides. South Korea had begun broadcasting K-pop and news into North Korea 18 months prior, prompting North Korea to respond with broadcasts of animal cries and spooky whistles. The broadcasts stopped earlier this year, and residents near the border, such as Kim Chang-hwan, have welcomed the peace and quiet. The article explores the reasons behind this development and its implications for tensions between the two countries.